Nick Travis was a versatile trumpeter who had a broad range and a pleasant tone. He also has strong technical skills. However, he was also a skilled jazz improviser. Travis began playing professionally at the age of 15 Before enlisting in the military, Travis worked with Johnny McGhee and Vido Musso (1942), Mitch Ayres and Woody Herman (off-and-on during 1942-1944). Travis was a member of many bands after his discharge. These included Ray McKinley, Benny Goodman (1948-1949), Gene Krupa and Ina Ray Hutton. Travis was a key soloist in the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra (1953-1956), but he then entered the anonymity of the studios as a member the NBC staff. Nick Travis was a regular performer at Lincoln Center in 1963 with Thelonious Monk’s small-sized group. He also played section parts with Gerry Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Orchestra from 1960-1962. In 1964, he died unexpectedly from complications related to ulcers. Victor set a new record with Nick Travis in 1954. He was also featured on recordings by Al Cohn (1953), and Zoot Sims (1956). Allmusic
